Rookie Turning Heads Could Be X-Factor for Bucs Playoffs Hopes
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had little to nothing working offensively against the New Orleans Saints last week. Facing a 4th and 8 in their opponent's territory, the Bucs needed a big play.
Usually that means the Bucs dial up a play to Mike Evans. Instead, Baker Mayfield entrusted his deciding throw to Jalen McMillan. He rewarded his trust and reeled in a 33-yard grab for a crucial first down.
Two plays later and following a questionable unsportsmanlike penalty on him, McMillan delivered again with a stellar 32-yard touchdown grab. Tampa Bay would not trail after securing that go-ahead score.
Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Coincidentally, McMillan's final catch of the regular season mirrored his first. That grab back in Week 1 went for 32-yards and ended in the end zone for his first career touchdown against the Washington Commanders.
Back then, McMillan was something of an afterthought on the scouting report behind two receiving titans in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. The rookie has since elevated his game and become an integral piece on the Bucs' offense.
That change did not happen immediately and McMillan took time to adjust to a new role once Godwin exited the lineup with a significant injury. However, McMillan has hit his stride in Tampa Bay's final five games and become a viable No. 2 option for Mayfield.
McMillan may not make up for everything the veteran provides, but he has finished on a tear, posting at least 50 receiving yards in each of the Bucs' last five games to go with seven touchdowns.
Looking now to the postseason, McMillan's arrival could not come at a better time. Those same Commanders await them on Sunday night with a much improved Jayden Daniels and a confident group ready for an upset.
The Bucs will likely need another strong showing offensively to hold off these upstart contenders, meaning Mayfield will be counting on McMillan to contribute once again.
If Tampa Bay gets past Washington and advances to the NFC Divisional round, McMillan will have a hand in that success and could be the X-Factor as the Bucs embark on their postseason journey.
What's Trending
